Glucagon in barium examinations in infants and children: special reference to dosage

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Abstract
The dose of i.v. glucagon which will produce a predictable, short and useful period of gastrointestinal atony during double contrast Ba examinations in infants and children was established. A dose of 0.5-1.0 .mu.g/kg body weight will produce an atonic period of 3-5 min which is satisfactory for double contrast meals. A larger dose of 0.8-1.25 .mu.g/kg is recommended for Ba enemas for which an atonic period of 5-10 min was satisfactory. These doses were derived from data obtained during 20 Ba examinations in infants and children. In Ba meals, the glucagon is given after the duodenal cap has opacified. In Ba enemas, it is recommended to give the drug at the beginning of the examination. Benefits of the use of these small doses of i.v. glucagon are: atony permitting good double contrast examination; rapid return to normal permitting motility to be examined; relief of painful and obstructive spasm in Ba enemas; quieting of angry, hungry infants and probable shortening of the total examination time. No undesirable side effect was observed.